Hair curlers



June 25, 1963 s. FREEMAN 3,094,994

HAIR CURLERS Filed May 3, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet I 28 IN VEN TOR.

June 25, 1963 s. FREEMAN 30 v HAIR CURLERS Filed May 3, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

Pa an/WW United States Patent 3,094,994 HAIR CURLERS Samuel Freeman, Long Beach, NY. Filed May 3, 1960, Ser. No. 26,465 2 Claims. (Cl. 132-34 This invention relates generally to hair curlers, of the general type disclosed in my prior US. Patent No. 2,924,- 225, issued February 9, 1960, and includes certain improvements thereover.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved hair-curler construction of the type mentioned, which is of more simple structure and operation, more durable and reliable in use, and which can be more economically manufactured and assembled for sale at a reasonable price.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

in the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in section showing a hair curler constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, partly in section, showing a barrel element of the device of FIG. 1 apart therefrom;

FIG. 3 is an end view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FlG. 4 is an elevational view showing an insert element of the device of FIG. 1 removed therefrom;

FIG. 5 is an end view taken substantially along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, showing a slightly modified construction of elements of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an end view taken substantially along the line 77 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, showing another slightly modified construction of the instant invention;

FIG. 9 is an additional side elevational view partly in section and partly broken away, the pivoted arm not being shown, showing still another embodiment of construction in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view partly in section showing a barrel element of the device of FIG. 9 apart therefrom;

FIG. 11 is an end View taken substantially along the line ill-11 of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an insert element of the device of FIG. 9 removed therefrom. 7

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to FIGS. 15 thereof, a main body is generally designated 2 and of substantially L-shaped configuration. The body 2 includes a generally cylindrical head 3 and a shank or arm 2a extending integrally from the head longitudinally of and spaced from the axis of the cylindrical head.

The head 3 is formed with a generally cylindrical, axially located recess 3a extending inward from one end, the left-hand end as seen in FIG. 1. Also formed axially within the head 3 is a through bore 3c opening at one end into the recess 3a, and at its other end exteriorly-of the head.

An insert element, or barrel support 6 is rotatably journaled in the head 3. More specifically, the insert is of elongate, generally cylindrical configuration rotatably received in the bore 30, having on one end an annular enlargement or collar 10 rotatably received in the recess 3a, and having its other end extending exteriorly beyond the head 3, to the right as seen in FIG. 1. Thus, the insert 6 is rotatably received in the head 3, the end enlargement or collar Iii being engageable with the bottom or inner wall of the recess 3a to prevent withdrawal of the insert in the rightward direction.

As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the insert 6 is formed with an upwardly opening generally rectangular recess 9, and an end socket or hole 6a extending inward from the enlarged left-hand end of the insert toward and terminating at an end wall 6b short of the recess 9. The socket 6a is provided with an internal longitudinally extending flat wall portion 60 and an internal longitudinally extending slot or groove 6d which is formed with a depressed portion or hole 6e inward from the open end of the socket 6a. 7

Formed in the end enlargement or collar 10, diametrically opposite to the internal groove or slot 6d, is a recess or cutout iii-a extending radially inward and terminating short of the socket 6a. The cutout ltia is in substantial longitudinal alignment with the recess 9, having side walls 161; and We in respective substantial coplanar relation with the side walls ha and b of the recess 9, see FIG. 5. A longitudinal, external groove 9c is formed on the insert 6 extending between the recess 9 and cutout lliia and having its opposite ends opening respectively into said recess and cutout.

The shank or arm 2a is formed internally thereof with a bore or hole 5 extending inward from the distal end of the arm. An outstanding finger piece or lug 4 projects from the distal region of the arm 2a in the direction opposite from the head 3.

A manually actuable member or knob 7 is engaged over the projecting leftward end of the insert 6, and may be knurled, or otherwise suited for finger rotation. A diametral pin 8 extends through the knob 7 and received portion of the insert 6 to non-rotatably fasten the knob to the insert.

A generally tubular or hollow barrel 15 is arranged axially of the head 3, with one end closed by an integral cylindrical enlargement 20 having its external end surface designated Ziic. The opposite end of the tubular barrel 15 is open affording access to the interior or hollow recess 16 of the barrel. The inner end of the hollow or recess 16, which is the inner side or face of the head 29 is designated 160, see FIG. 1.

The end enlargement 20 of the barrel 15 is formed on its periphery with a cutout or notch 11 having generally parallel, facing side walls 11a and 11b spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the width of the insert recess 9 and the cutout 10a.

Projecting (axially outward from the wall 20c of enlargement 20 is a male connection member 29a of nonciroular cross section corresponding to that of the socket 612 for engagement in the latter. Further, the member 20a is bi-furca-ted to define a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel spaced resilient leg-s 20b. Projecting laterally outward from one leg 20!) is a protuberance or lug 14, disposed generally diametrically opposite to the cutout 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the barrel 15 is arranged with its enlarged end part 20 received in the recess 3a, the male element 20a engaging in the socket 6a to prevent relative rotation between the barrel and insert 6, whilethe lug or detent 14 is removably snap engaged in the hole 6e to prevent inadvertent separation of the barrel Patented June 25, 1963 15 from the insert 6 while permitting deliberate withdrawal or separation of the barrel from the head 3 and insert 6. In this assembled condition, the cutout 11 of the barrel enlargement 24 is in registry with the cutout 10a of the insert 6, and the barrel and insert are axially rotatable as a unit.

An elongate clamping member 17 extends externally longitudinally along the cylinder 15, passing freely through the aligned cutouts 11 land 1611 and thence through the groove 9c to the recess 9!). In the recess 9 the clamping member 17 is formed with a pair of laterally spaced apertured lugs or ears 18a for pivotal mounting by a transverse pin 18 extending through the ears and into the insert. The clamping member 17 extends rightward externally of the head 3 over that region of the recess 9 exteriorly of the head to provide a manually operable portion or button 17a for depression by the finger of a user. A compression spring S is disposed in the recess 9 having its opposite ends engaging the bottom wall of the recess and the underside of the finger push button 17a to resiliently urge the clamping member 17 counterclockwise to its clamping position, as seen in FIG. 1. The finger of a user may be employed to depress the portion 17a against the force of spring S to swing the clamping member 17 away from the barrel for interposition therebetween of a lock of hair; and of course, release of the portion 17a permits return swinging of the clamping member 17 to clamp the hair against the barrel 15.

In use, prior to the [above-described hair-clamping step, a conventional hat-pin P is distended to insert one leg thereof PB in the formation or hole 5 of arm 2a and the other leg PA into the barrel 15 through the open distal end thereof. Then, after the hair clamping step, mere rotation of the manual actuable knob 7 serves to wind the lock of hair about the leg PA, whereupon the removal of the device from the hair and pin P leaves the hair curled and retained in its curled condition by the pin.

Of course, for different size curls, it is only necessary to remove and replace the barrel 15 with a barrel of different diameter. This may be accomplished by forcible withdrawal of the barrel from the head 3, sufficient to deflect the male element legs 29b inward and permit withdrawal of the protuberance 14- from the hole 62.

In the slightly modified embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, an arm 22 corresponding to the arm 2a of FIGS. 1-5 is pivotally connected to the head 3 for swinging movement about a transverse axis toward and away from a barrel. Thus, the head 3 may be provided with a generally radially outstanding lug or ear 2c; and, the arm 2e may be provided with a pair of spaced end members or cars 2d disposed on opposite sides of and receiving therebetween the lug 2c. A pivot pin or fastener 2b extends through the ears 2d and received lug 20 to pivotally connect the arm 2e to the head. In this embodiment, the arm 2e and its hairpin leg receiving hole 5 may be swung proximate to a barrel to permit engagement of a hairpin leg in the hole 5 with a minimum of hairpin distention.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a modified tubular barrel 15a having its interior 16b open at its distal end, is provided on its other end with an enlargement or head 1012. The barrel enlargement 10a is formed with a hole 21 extending axially inward from the outer end of the enlargement, remote from the open end of the barrel; and, a pair of aligned, radially extending holes 23 and 24 are formed in the enlargement intersecting with the hole 21. At their radially outer ends, the holes 23 and 24 are reduced to define open-ended reduced bores 25 and 26, respectively, opening radially outward from the enlargement.

An elongate barrel support or insert 6g is rotatably journaled in the head 3 of body 2, and provided with an end enlargement 6h proximate to and engaging the end enlargement 102 of the barrel 15a. The insert 6g is formed with a noncircular hole or socket 6i extending longitudinally inward through the end enlargement 6/2.

In the holes 23 and 24 are located coil compression springs L and M, respectively. Slidably located in the reduced bores 25 and 26, respectively, are plungers or pins 27 and 28, each having an enlarged inner end preventing its removal from the respective reduced bore and resiliently urged by the adjacent springs to project radially outward beyond the barrel enlargement ltle.

A male member 22 includes a generally cylindrical portion 22a engaged in the hole 21 and retained therein by a fastener pin P. The springs L and M bear at their inner ends against the cylindrical portion 22a of the male member 22 and are thus retained in position. Extending from the cylindrical portion 22a beyond the enlargement 16a is a rectangular, or noncircular portion 22b of the male element 22 which extends conformably into the socket 6 In this manner, the insert 6i is nonrotatably connected to the barrel 15a for simultaneous rotation thereof.

, The head 3 of body 2 is provided with an internal annular groove 30 receiving the extending plungers 27 and 28 to retain the barrel 15a with its enlargement 10:2 in the head 3 and permit free axial rotation of the barrel relative to the head. If desired, the barrel 15a may be removed from the head 3 by exertion of sufiicient withdrawing force to displace the plungers 27 and 28 out of the annular groove 30 against the force of springs L, M; and by reversal of this procedure, a barrel 15a of a selected size may be replaced in the condition shown in FIG. 8.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12, a barrel support or insert 6 is rotatably journaled in the cylindrical head 3 and body 2 having one end extending into the enlarged recess 3a and having its other end extending beyond the head. The clamping member 17 is omitted from FIGS. 9 land 10 for clarity of illustration, and shown in FIG. 12 which illustrates the barrel supporting insert apart from the body 2.

Referring again to FIG. 9, it will there be seen that the end portion 27 of insert 6 within the recess Ba is provided with a diametrically extending end groove 30 which receives the medial portion of a generally C-shaped spring clip 28. That is, the clip 28 is constituted of a resilient strip having its medial region nonrotatably anchored in the end groove 30 of the insert 6] by a fastener or rivet 29' and extending radially outward beyond the insert where its opposite ends are bent inward toward each other to define snap fingers. The clip 28 thus elfectively prevents rightward withdrawal of the insert of from the head 3.

A barrel of hollow tubular configuration is designated 15b in FIGURES 9-l1 having a hollow interior Me. One end of the barrel 15b is open, the end remote from the head 3, while the other end is provided with an enlargement or enlarged closure '10 having an external face Ills and an internal face 16a. The enlargement 16) is generally cylindrical and provided on its periphery with a pair of diametrically opposed, lonm'tudinally extending open-ended slots 10g and 10h, the former having parallel spaced, facing side walls 10f and Ill/c, and the latter having parallel spaced facing side walls 10m and 1011. Formed in the bottom walls of slots 10g and 1011, respectively, are holes or grooves 10p and ltlq, While a dished recess 10)" is formed centrally of the enlargement face Ills. An additional slot 10a is formed on the periphery of the enlargement 10 extending longitudinally thereof for receiving the clamping member 17 in the manner mentioned hereinbefore.

In assembly, the end enlargement 10' of the barrel 15b is engaged in the recess 3a of head 3 with the grooves 10g and 10h respectively aligned with opposite fingers of clip 28. The end fingers of clip 28 maybe sprung or snapengaged into the holes or recesses 10p and 18g to detachably and nonrotatably connect the barrel 15b to the insert 61. Of course, the barrel 1511 may be removed and replaced in similar manner. Also, the enlarged manually actuable knob 7 is engaged over the end of insert 6 remote from the barrel 15b and fixed thereon by a pin 8.

The clamping member 17 and its depressible actuating portion 17a of FIG. 12 operate in the manner described hereinbefore.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a highly improved hair-curler construction which fully accomplishes its intended objects and is welladapted to meet practical conditions of manufacture and use.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A hair curler for use in forming curls of varying diameters, secured by -a U-shaped hairpin having legs with a resilient connection normally urging said legs toward eachother and providing an elastic limit of separation of the legs, comprising (a) a head having a recess in one end and a longitudinal through bore opening into said recess;

(b) an insert rotatably received in said bore having one end in said recess and having its other end extending beyond the other end of said head;

() a replaceable hollow barrel selected from a set of barrels of varying diameters having one end rotatably received in said recess and extending longitudinally therefrom exteriorly of said head, said barrel being of selected diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the curl which is to be formed;

(d) detachable connection means non-rotatably connecting said barrel and insert;

(e) a clamping member pivotally mounted on said insert having one end extending through and out of said recess externally along said barrel for rotation therewith and swinging movement into and out of clamping engagement with said barrel, the other end of said clamping member extending beyond the other end of said head for operation of said clamping member;

(1) an actuating member on said other end of said insert for manually effecting simultaneous rotation of said insert, barrel, connection means and clamping member; and

(g) an arm extending from said head along said barrel and configured for receiving one leg of a hairpin having its other leg engaged in said barrel, said arm being pivotally connected to said head for swinging movement toward and away from said barrel in accordance with the selected diameter thereof so as to said barrel within the elastic limit of the hairpin, whereby a lock of hair clamped between said clam-ping member and barrel is adapted to be wound about said barrel upon rotation of the latter by said actuating member.

2. A. hair curler for use in forming curls of varying diameters, secured by a U-shaped hairpin having legs with a resilient connection normally urging said legs toward each other and providing an elastic limit of separation of the legs, comprising (a) a head having a recess in one end and a longitudinal through bore opening into said recess;

(b) an insert rotatably received in said bore having one end in said recess and having its other end extending beyond the other end of said head;

(c) a replaceable hollow barrel selected from a set of barrels of varying diameters having one end rotatably received in said recess and extending longitudinally therefrom exteriorly of said head, said barrel being of selected diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the curl which is to be formed;

(d) detachable connection means comprising a generally C-shaped resilient strip with end snap fingers having its medial region non-rotatably connected to one end of said insert, said end of said hollow barrel received in said recess being an enlarged cylindrical closure and having on its periphery diametrically opposed, longitudinally extending open-end slot with holes to detachably and non-rotatably receive said snap fingers of said resilient strip, whereby barrels of varying diameters but single sized cylindrical closures can be placed in said recess with said slots aligned with the snap fingers of said strip and then detachably attached into non-rotatable engagement when said snap fingers spring into the holes in said slots;

(e) a clamping member pivotally mounted on said insert having one end extending through and out of said recess externally along said barrel for rotation therewith and swinging movement into and out of clamping engagement with said barrel, the other end of said clamping member extending beyond the other end of said head for operation of said clamping member; and

(1) an actuating member on said other end of said insert for manually eifecting simultaneous rotation of said insert, barrel, connection means and clamping member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,596,017 Filak May 6, 1952 2,619,094 Ralston Nov. 25, 1952 2,924,225 Freeman Feb. 9, 1960 

2. A HAIR CURLER FOR USE IN FORMING CURLS OF VARYING DIAMETERS, SECURED BY A U-SHAPED HAIRPIN HAVING LEGS WITH A RESILIENT CONNECTION NORMALLY URGING SAID LEGS TOWARD EACH OTHER AND PROVIDING AN ELASTIC LIMIT OF SEPARATION OF THE LEGS, COMPRISING (A) A HEAD HAVING A RECESS IN ONE END AND A LONGITUDINAL THROUGH BORE OPENING INTO SAID RECESS; (B) AN INSERT ROTATABLY RECEIVED IN SAID BORE HAVING ONE END IN SAID RECESS AND HAVING ITS OTHER END EXTENDING BEYOND THE OTHER END OF SAID HEAD; (C) A REPLACEABLE HOLLOW BARREL SELECTED FROM A SET OF BARRELS OF VARYING DIAMETERS HAVING ONE END ROTATABLY RECEIVED IN SAID RECESS AND EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY THEREFROM EXTERIORLY OF SAID HEAD, SAID BARREL BEING OF SELECTED DIAMETER CORRESPONDING TO THE INNER DIAMETER OF THE CURL WHICH IS TO BE FORMED; (D) DETACHABLE CONNECTION MEANS COMPRISING A GENERALLY C-SHAPED RESILIENT STRIP WITH END SNAP FINGERS HAVING ITS MEDIAL REGION NON-ROTATABLY CONNECTED TO ONE END OF SAID INSERT, SAID END OF SAID HOLLOW BARREL RECEIVED IN SAID RECESS BEING AN ENLARGED CYLINDRICAL CLOSURE AND HAVING ON ITS PERIPHERY DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED, LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING OPEN-END SLOT WITH HOLES TO DETACHABLY AND NON-ROTATABLY RECEIVE SAID SNAP FINGERS OF SAID RESILIENT STRIP, WHEREBY BARRELS OF VARYING DIAMETERS BUT SINGLE SIZED CYLINDRICAL CLOSURES CAN BE PLACED IN SAID RECESS WITH SAID SLOTS ALIGNED WITH THE SNAP FINGERS OF SAID STRIP AND THEN DETACHABLY ATTACHED INTO NON-ROTATABLE ENGAGEMENT WHEN SAID SNAP FINGERS SPRING INTO THE HOLES IN SAID SLOTS; (E) A CLAMPING MEMBER PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID INSERT HAVING ONE END EXTENDING THROUGH AND OUT OF SAID RECESS EXTERNALLY ALONG SAID BARREL FOR ROTATION THEREWITH AND SWINGING MOVEMENT INTO AND OUT OF CLAMPING ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID BARREL, THE OTHER END OF SAID CLAMPING MEMBER EXTENDING BEYOND THE OTHER END OF SAID HEAD FOR OPERATION OF SAID CLAMPING MEMBER; AND (F) AN ACTUATING MEMBER ON SAID OTHER END OF SAID INSERT FOR MANUALLY EFFECTING SIMULTANEOUS ROTATION OF SAID INSERT, BARREL, CONNECTION MEANS AND CLAMPING MEMBER. 